Obituary of Lawrence Abate

Lawrence Abate, 92, of Freehold Township, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Whiting Healthcare Center, Whiting. He was born in Jersey City on August 10, 1924 from wonderful parents, Guitano and Anna Marie Abbate. In 1937 he moved to Millstone Township as a farmer with five brothers, Joseph N., Benedict L., Albert A., Charles, and Daniel D., and a sister, Marie H. Abate Hooper. Following his graduation from Allentown High School, he entered the Army as a combat infantryman in 1944. He served under General Patton’s 3rd Army in the ETO (European Theater of Operations) during his tour receiving numerous medals. On returning home, he married his sweetheart, Evelyn M. Taylor, from Smithburg. He was employed with Acme Hamilton Rubber, Trenton, for 31 years as a millwright; the Freehold Township Road Department for 11 years; and the Fulton Bank for 15 years. After a severe fire in 1963, he was key in the organization of the Freehold Independent Fire Company and volunteered as a charter member for over 50 years. He was elected as one of the first fire commissioners of Freehold Township, and served as treasurer for 12 years. He was on the Allentown High School Reunion Committee and served as President for two terms. Surviving are his three children, Linda Abate Burke and husband Douglas, Whiting, Lawrence B. Abate, Jr. and wife Gloria, Toms River, and George R. Abate and wife Paula, Smithburg; eight grandchildren, Douglas M. Burke, Jr. and wife Linda, New Egypt, Sherry Burke Bailey and husband Randy, Millstone Township, Ashley Abate Gibson and husband Benjamin, Woodbridge, Virginia, Zachary Abate, Virginia, Theodore Abate, USAF, stationed in New Mexico, and Grace E. Blessing and Mercy Abate of Smithburg; six great grandchildren, Shannon and Carly Bailey, Millstone Township, Dara and Douglas Burke, III, New Egypt, and Arthur and Violet Gibson, Woodbridge, Virginia, a brother, Charles G. Abate, formerly of Millstone Township, now residing in Estero, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. followed by interment at Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold. Memorial donations to Deborah Heart and Lung Center would be appreciated.